Grateley Primary School

Snow and Ice Plan

SNOW PROCEDURES

We are always prepared for the possibility of snow disruption during the winter and poor weather conditions.

Our key objective during the worst weather conditions is to open school on a site that is safe and adequately staffed. When we experience ice or snow our first priority is to assess whether we can make the site safe enough for adults and children.

Although we keep up-to-date with forecasts and weather warnings, some snow and ice conditions can be quite localised. What appears to be 'slushy' snow at school can be compacted very quickly on frozen ground when children are walking on it, or there may be severe snow around school but little where you live.

When there is a possibility that school may not be able to open we will assess the following criteria:

Can the site be made safe?

Will we have sufficient staff to meet safe and appropriate adult:child ratios?

Can we provide meals at lunchtime?

When we are confident we have an adequate number of staff and accessibility to school is safe, we will open.

COMMUNICATION

We will text all parents to let you know whether school is open or closed as soon as a decision has been made.

Local radio stations will broadcast (and add to their website) a list of schools that are closed or partially closed. They will do this very quickly; this is the best way to check whether or not we are open or closed. Listen to The Breeze or Spire FM for details.

As soon as possible we will update the school website as to what is is happening. Our website address is www.grateley.hants.sch.uk

Hampshire County Council website will also be updated with the latest news across the area. Their website address is www.hants.gov.uk